bewilder

[ bih-wil-der ]

verb (used with object)

1. to confuse or puzzle completely; perplex:

   These shifting attitudes bewilder me.

   Synonyms: muddle, stagger, confound, daze, confuse, nonplus, mystify

bewilder

/ bɪˈwɪldə /

verb

1. to confuse utterly; puzzle
2. archaic.
   to cause to become lost

Derived Forms

• beˈwilderˌment, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewilder¹

First recorded in 1675–85; be- + wilder ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewilder¹

C17: see be- , wilder

Example Sentences

If the soul of Leif Erikson were to materialize inside his statue for a day, much of what he saw would bewilder him.

From Seattle Times

The real world may initially bewilder Barbie, but she figures it out.

From New York Times

Figuring out what metrics make a streaming show successful can bewilder fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Modern songwriting is highly collaborative in a way that seems to bewilder some folks.

From Los Angeles Times

Viewing her show is akin to a stroll through a foreign city whose banners, placards and logos both beckon and bewilder.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• baffle
• befuddle
• bemuse
• confound
• daze
• disconcert
• distract
• fluster
• mystify
• perplex
• puzzle
• rattle
• stump
• stupefy
• upset